What to Know Before You Buy a CC Cream

If you've ever wondered what CC creams are and if they're right for you, you're not alone. CC cream, which is short for "color correction cream," have taken off in the cosmetics market by building on the success of beauty balm creams (a.k.a. "BB creams"). Both CC and BB creams claim to cover every vital step in your beauty routine and make your complexion flawless. But honestly, we've been exasperated in our search to find consistent differences between the two.

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One helpful rule of thumb: CC creams are lighter in their formulation, targeted to correct complexion-related issues, and also provide hydration, anti-aging benefits, and sun protection. Some of the CC creams we tested even state on their packaging that they can be used as a primer before you apply foundation.

Here are five things you need to know before you buy a CC cream:

1. Don't let CC creams replace your daily moisturizer.

Half of products we tested didn't moisturize at all. Consumer testers reported that they still had to add moisturizer, even to the ones that showed good hydration properties. In our study, Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream ($22, SPF 15, three shades) provided superb hydration. It is lightly textured with sheer coverage that adds a hint of color and radiance to the skin.

Even the most generous portion of CC cream will often not be enough to protect your face from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology now recommends using a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF value of at least 30. We like Almay Smart Shade CC Cream Complexion Corrector ($10, SPF 35, three shades), which provides good broad-spectrum sun protection using both synthetic and mineral active ingredients.

3. Test to make sure you're getting the coverage you want.

Our volunteer testers with mature skin noted that they needed more coverage, which was surprising since CC creams promise to address skin discoloration and age spots. We found that CC creams were most suitable for people who like the look of tinted moisturizers, but need more coverage for a natural/no make-up look.

4. Make sure the color matches your skin tone.

Most CC creams are available in only three shades: fair-light, light-medium and medium-deep. We liked Sephora Skin Perfect CC Cream ($26, SPF 20), which comes in a more generous seven shades. Consumer testers were very satisfied with how well it blended with their skin tone, and they praised it for its ability to provide natural-looking coverage.

5. Don't rely solely on your CC cream for anti-aging benefits alone.

It's good practice to supplement a CC cream with the anti-aging products already in your routine. However, for a firming-worthy splurge, we like OleHenriksen Perfect Truth CC Crème ($36, SPF 30, two shades). Testers adored this cream's texture and good cosmetic coverage. It's also loaded with antioxidants and is lightly scented with orange and grapefruit extracts.